The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that took place on the 5400 block of Williams Road in Seffner earlier this evening.
Just before 5:30 p.m., HCSO received multiple 911 calls in reference to a shooting and a possible traffic crash.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they learned a male suspect approached two people in a truck. The passenger exits the truck, and the suspect shoots the driver twice. At this time, the shooting victim is alert and in stable condition at an area hospital.
With his weapon pointed, the suspect then forces the passenger of the truck to get into the driver's seat, and the victim drives a short distance before ultimately crashing into a water-filled culvert. The victim exits the truck and flees northbound on Williams Road.
The suspect gives pursuit, and a passerby who sees the victim running away, stops to try and help. The victim crawls into the passerby's vehicle and the suspect again opens fire. The driver and victim drive off, but then crash shortly after on Williams Road north of U.S. 92 in what was a single-vehicle accident.
Deputies have identified the suspect as Nicholas Kocolis, 51. He was last seen driving away in his 2010 silver Nissan Altima, with Florida tag number CRP4M.
"This suspect's reckless actions today could have cost someone their life. We are asking anyone who has any information about his whereabouts to call us immediately," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
If you have any information, you're asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
SUSPECT:
NAME: Nicholas Kocolis
AGE: 51
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 230 lbs.
EYE COLOR: Hazel
HAIR COLOR: Brown
*This mug shot is from a previous arrest and solely being used for a suspect description.
August 6, 2020
Public Affairs Office | piocommandcenter@hcso.tampa.fl.us
(813) 247-8060
